International and intergovernmental organisations

One in three generic manufacturers opt to arrange their own no-deal Brexit ferry transport

A third of manufacturers affiliated with the British Generic Manufacturers Association have opted not to rely on government-run ferries after a no-deal Brexit, instead paying for their own transportation between the EU and the UK.…

Treasury promises £434m to support medicines supply chain after no-deal Brexit

The UK chancellor has committed to spending an extra £434m on ensuring the continued supply of medicines in the event of a no-deal Brexit.…

UK not providing ‘best practice’ level smoking cessation support, says WHO report

The UK is not among 23 countries providing smoking cessation services at the “best practice” level, according to a report from the World Health Organization.…

Government tenders for £3m contract for Brexit medicines express

The government has set aside £3m to transport short-life medicines and medical devices in the event of a no-deal Brexit.…

EU task force guidance on how to report drugs shortages published

An EU task force, set up to deal with problems with medicines supply, has published guidance to improve communication about medicines shortages.…

Express ferry service for medicines to be introduced as government ramps up no-deal Brexit planning

The government has announced it will introduce an express freight service for urgent medicines that are in short supply, as part of plans to ramp up preparations for a no-deal Brexit.…

EU must investigate medicines shortages say hospital pharmacists

European hospital pharmacists are demanding that the EU launches an investigation into medicines shortages.…

No-deal Brexit could put UK at greater risk from falsifed medicines, HDA director tells MPs

Leaving the EU without a deal would likely result in the UK being “unplugged” from the Falsified Medicines Directive, Martin Sawer, executive director of the Healthcare Distribution Association, has told a select committee of MPs.…

EMA committee says cough medicines containing fenspiride should not be marketed

A European Medicines Agency committee has recommended that marketing authorisations for cough medicines containing fenspiride should be revoked, meaning they will no longer be marketed in the EU.…

Drugs companies asked to put no-deal Brexit stockpiles ‘on hold’ until further notice

The Department of Health and Social Care has written to pharmaceutical companies asking them to keep their six-week stockpiles of medicines “in place but on hold” until further notice.…